Movement Exploration

with Shira Yaziv in Costa Rica

April 21-28, 2018

A week-long retreat that will keep you active while enjoying the tropical rainforest and beautiful beach.

MOVE

3 Daily Movement Sessions

NATURE

Tropical jungle, beach & ocean waves!

ANIMALS

Scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, toucans & more!

RELAX

Hammocks, shaded pool & sweet people.

FOOD

3 Daily delicious locally sourced meals!

EXPLORE

Tree climbing, waterfall rappelling, hiking, ziplining & more!

Movement Sessions

5+ hours of movement sessions per day, divided to three sessions

Schedule

(Example of a day)

5-5:30am Pre-breakfast

5:30-7am Early morning session

7-9am Breakfast

9-11am Late morning session

11-3:30pm Lunch & Free Play & Special Activities

3:30-5pm Afternoon session

7-8:30pm Community Dinner

Early Morning

Focus will be on awareness and sensations. We will work with stillness and gentle movements, often in silence.

Late Morning

Getting more active in our bodies, we will explore range of motion and strength, and we will challenge our bodies and minds by learning new skills (such as handstands, acrobatics, floor work, etc.).

Late Afternoon

We will wrap up the day with implementation of the skills we have learned through improvisation, partnering and interactive games, often cooling down with body work.

This movement exploration retreat is open to all levels, no experience required. Shira will offer progressions that will fit complete beginners, as well as challenges for the experienced mover. You are welcome to attend as many or as few sessions as you wish.

About Shira

Shira Yaziv enjoys encouraging people to move in new ways while learning skills and being creative. Her background is in Capoeira, Circus Arts and Dance. Shira is the co-founder and owner of Athletic Playground, a dynamic indoor play-space, inspiring physical play through a wide variety of movement classes. For more information about Shira, including upcoming performances and workshops: shira.yaziv.com.

Guest Teacher: Andrey

Andrey is passionate about teaching. His constant involvement in learning from experienced teachers and experimenting on his own, gives his students an insight on the process of learning basic and advanced skills.

A couple highlights of his personal achievements has been competing on American Ninja Warrior show, and performing in two SF Opera productions “The Trojans” and “Carmen.”

One of the fun activities Andrey is looking forward to sharing with you at this retreat is exercise ball bouncing! There a plenty of fun, safe, and challenging bounce patterns that are accessible to all level practitioners, you’ll love it!

Testimonials

“It is enjoyable whether you like to dive into things fast or take more time to engage. The pace is extremely modular and can be adjusted for personal preference. I think interest in any kind of movement is enough to enjoy most of the classes. It's not a lot of pressure and there was no sense of judgment.”

- Gregory Trigub (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“As a beginner, I always felt challenged without feeling left behind. Everything was broken down into digestible pieces and there was a great balance of types of movements- Soft and forceful, pronounced and subtle – feeling and doing. I genuinely feel transformed by this experience.”

- Azadeh Amani (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

"The retreat is for anyone inquisitive to learn about their body and how to move it. The practice is varied and engaging, set within a safe and nurturing environment. Shira is an excellent teacher, sensitive to the needs of the students, but also giving time for them to develop. The opportunity to move and and learn in an intensive period is a beautiful environment is not to be missed!”

- Marcus White (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

"I was very impressed by my experience in the Movement Exploration retreat with Shira in Costa Rica, not only by the excellent variety of movement and training sessions, but also by the impressive levels of knowledge and skill sharing between the other participants. I am very grateful to have been part of such a sweet group of dedicated smart movers. I came away from this beautiful week with so many new tools and ideas to work with, not to mention inspiration and new close friends to train with. I look forward to returning next year! "

- Adam Mednick (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“This retreat is appropriate for anyone who likes to move or wants to move better. Even after years of athletic training, I have found new facets of movement that I didn't think possible.”

- Izarra Varela (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“Shira made everything seem accessible. It has opened my eyes to improve movement and not being afraid to try new things”

- Denise Sawyer (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

"The retreat is an incredible opportunity to learn and move, but also to explore the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Iguana Lodge is a gorgeous place to stay: we really were living right among the jungle. The mix of daily movement practices as well as the opportunities for other local activities like nature hikes, tree climbs, or animal sanctuary visits makes for a fantastic trip as well as a transformative experience learning about the capacities of one's body."

- Jeremy Gleick (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“The beautiful Iguana Lodge and Shira's excellent teaching are both reasons to attend. Be prepared to explore your own movement capabilities and challenge your conception of movement and what you are capable of. I highly recommend it”

- Jennifer Pilotti (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“I'd recommend it to anyone active, open to try new things, loves to be upside-down in anyway possible.”

- Andrey Pfening (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“My respect and appreciation has grown after this event. Shira and Mira really thought and planned out every detail and it showed. Shira also continues to tap in all of the participants individually and as a whole to make adjustments and it paid off in our experience.”

- Melissa Sackett (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“To move with love and compassion in our own body takes lots of wisdom (as a mover) and experience. Shira is the one who could teach you how how and why to do it while having tons of fun!”

- Olga Love (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“Shira is great! A beautiful soul and a beautiful place to experience movement would definitely recommend it!”

- Mario Gutierrez (attended Movement Exploration Retreat 2017)

“I highly recommend Shira's Movement Exploration Retreat for anyone looking for an exciting active movement-oriented vacation. Shira is a wonderful teacher skilled at teaching to all levels. Her classes combine acrobatics, tricks, improvisation, movement games and also more simple, meditative movements. And Iguana Lodge on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is a spectacular destination and ideal place to experience Costa Rica – Beach, jungle, scarlet macaw, monkeys, etc. I plan to attend again!”